Memorial from agents of Carolina and merchants trading with Carolina concerning military aid for the colony

Rhett, William; Ketelbey, Abel; Et Al.

September 16,
1715

Volume 02, Pages 201-202

[B. P. R. O. Proprieties. B. T. Vol. 10. Q. 57.]

MEMORIAL FROM Mr KETTLEBY AND SEVERAL MERCHANTS TRADING TO CAROLINA RELATING TO SOME INDIANS TRADING GUNS PREPARING TO BE SENT FOR VIRGINIA, WHEREWITH THEY APPREHEND Ye INDIAN ENEMY MAY BE SUPPLYED.

The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations.

We the Agents of Carolina and Merchants trading thither, begg leave to acquaint your Lordships that We have an Account of several considerable Quantities of Indian trading guns, which are bespoke and ordered to be got ready for Virginia

Though we cannot in Justice and Gratitude but acknowledge the honorable Behaviour of the Governor of Virginia and his readiness to assist our Province Yet we have too much Reason to fear that their private Indian Traders will have more regard to their own gain, than the security of their distressed Neighbors, or the Publick good: and will endeavour to make their advantages by selling arms and ammunition to our Indian Enemies, who according to our last accounts, begin to want a supply thereof.

Whether the Governour by his own Authority, without any directions from his Majesty or your Lordships will or can Effectually prohibitt the Indian Traders from furnishing our Indian Enemies with Gunns or Gunpowder We cannot tell; And therefore humbly repeat our Instances to your Lordships, that such proper Methods may be forthwith taken, as

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your Lordships shall think most conducive to prevent the Virginians and other Inhabitants on the Continent, from supplying the Indians that now are at warr with Carolina or may hereafter join against us with any Gunns Gunpowder or other warlike Stores under the Severest penalties.

We are the more urgent upon this Head, because the safety of the whole Province seems in a great measure at present to depend upon it: We have not as yet been able to obtain any relief any arms or any men from England: Our last advices give us grounds to apprehend, that some men, which were ordered from North Carolina to our assistance, are cut off by the Enemy and that an Inundation of Indians will fall down upon the Settlements, now about the beginning of Harvest: if so, nothing can save us, but their want of Ammunition.

Your Lordships zeal and Readiness for the relief of Carolina encourages us to apply to your Lordships upon this occasion not doubting but your Lordships will continue your good endeavours for preserving the Province and thereby lay new obligations